“Yes. Stacey. She’s six.”
The man went behind the desk and added Jake’s information on the computer, then handed him the license. “Bet she’s a daddy’s girl.”
“Well, yeah. Guess you could say that.” He pocketed his wallet.
“Okay, Mr. Axelrod. You’re in Room Eight, and here’s your card key. Breakfast starts at seven and goes until ten.”
“I’ll be there. I haven’t eaten anything since lunch, and I had to rush to catch my plane. By the way, what’s your name? You’ve been so helpful, I want to make sure the owner knows.” They might call him The Axe Man at work and think he was a bastard, but Jake believed in rewarding good service.
That earned him another one of those gorgeous smiles. Electricity tingled down Jake’s spine and curled his toes, and again, he wondered why that face looked so familiar. “Well, that’s right kind of you. I’m Shea Montgomery.”
Jake picked up the key card the man set on the desk. “Thank you, Shea. Is the bar here open by any chance? Could I possibly get a drink and maybe a sandwich? I thought I’d be exhausted and would fall asleep as soon as I got here, but I took a nap in the car ride and now I’m wide awake.”
“Sorry, but we only have food and drink available at mealtimes.”
“Oh, damn. Well, I’ll live.” He took the handle of his suitcase. “Thanks anyway.” Wheeling the carry-on, Jake walked halfway across the room before he stopped, realizing he had no idea where he was going. He turned back to a laughing Shea.
“Okay. I know. I have no idea where I’m going.”
“’S’okay. It’s your first day here. You’re forgiven.” He pointed. “Down the hallway and take a left. Your room is the last one at the end of the hall.”
“Thanks. Good night, Shea.” He rolled the kinks from his shoulders and headed across the large space.
“Mr. Axelrod?”
He heard hurried footsteps and stopped, waiting for Shea to catch up with him.
“Yes?”
Shea’s uncertain blue gaze met his, and for a moment, Jake could’ve sworn the cowboy was nervous.
“Uh, I know this might not be what you’re used to, bein’ from New York City and all, but like I said, I was about to go and get a beer. Maybe you’d like to come? You could get that drink and somethin’ to eat.”
He was so surprised, he didn’t say anything, and Shea’s face fell. “I’m sorry. I overstepped. I’ll let you get to your room and relax. G’night now.” With a tip of his head, Shea left his side, his boots tapping across the polished wooden floor.
“Wait, Shea. Hold on.” Leaving his suitcase, Jake hurried to catch up with him. Shea slowed his steps. “I would, actually. Like to join you, that is. Can you give me a few minutes to put my things away?”
“Are you sure? Don’t want you to think I’m bein’ pushy.”
“We all need a push now and then.” The words tumbled out of his mouth before he had a chance to think.
Whoa.Where did that come from?
All the fresh air must be messing with his head.
Chapter Three
When Jake said he needed a few minutes, Shea anticipated he’d change out of his expensive suit and tie to put on jeans and a T-shirt. Not that he minded the suit. That man would look good in a paper bag…or nothing at all.
Shut it down, Shea. The man is married with a child.
But hot damn if he didn’t come out to meet him in that same sleek suit, only now sporting a tight black T-shirt that clung to every ripped cut and dip of his chest and abs. Jake could be a model with his hard-as-nails jaw, pale-green eyes, and thick, chocolate-brown hair shot through with gold, that looked like the heavens above were kissing him.
“Everything okay?” Jake asked when he reached the large leather couch Shea had parked himself on while he waited. “If you can’t go, I’ll understand.”
“No, not at all,” Shea said, trying not to breathe in the scent of Jake’s cologne. Creed. Of course he’d wear Shea’s favorite fragrance. The one that made him weak in the knees and ready to explode with desire. “I figured you’d probably want a better-quality restaurant than our local bar, so we can go to the Flame. It’s about a half-hour drive.”
They walked out of the ranch house and into the night, which had cooled down significantly from the heat of the day, and Shea was grateful for the shearling collar on his worn denim jacket. The air pulsed with the sound of crickets, and an owl hooted nearby. Jake stood transfixed, gazing around with wide eyes.
